Bollards remain one of the most convenient and effective ways to make a variety of spaces safer and more secure. There are numerous types of bollards, each offering different applications. To help you decide what your enterprise requires, review our comprehensive guide on the different types of bollards below.

Removable Bollards: Versatile Options

Removable bollards are designed for sites that require a balance of security and flexibility. Installed in ground sleeves, these bollards can be locked securely in place to create a physical and visual barrier, and then can be removed when temporary vehicle access is necessary. From a safety standpoint, removable bollards serve the same purpose as fixed bollards while in position, protecting pedestrians, storefronts, or event areas from unwanted vehicle entry. Many models are available in crash-tested configurations, meeting ASTM F3016 and ASTM F2656 standards, which define the ability of a bollard to stop vehicles of varying weights and speeds. For example, an M30 crash-rated removable bollard is tested to stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 30 mph. This provides designers and planners with quantifiable data to match protection levels to site conditions, such as urban retail districts versus high-traffic roadways. The key advantage of removable bollards is their adaptability, making them an excellent choice for areas that must alternate between secure pedestrian use and authorized vehicle access without compromising safety standards.

High-Security Bollards

High-security bollards are engineered to provide the highest level of protection against vehicle intrusion. Unlike standard traffic or decorative bollards, these units are designed and tested to withstand intentional crashes, making them essential for sensitive or high- risk sites such as government facilities, military bases, embassies, stadiums, and critical infrastructure. Their strength is verified through rigorous ASTM F2656 crash-testing, which measures how well a bollard can stop a vehicle of a specified weight at a specified speed. For example, an M50-rated bollard has been proven to stop a 15,000- pound truck traveling at 50 miles per hour. These bollards are typically constructed from heavy-duty steel and reinforced with deep foundations or shallow-mount systems, depending on site conditions. Some designs are permanent, while others are retractable or removable to allow controlled access. Beyond their stopping power, high-security bollards also serve as visible deterrents, signaling to drivers that an area is restricted and well-protected. High-security bollards are not just about blocking traffic; they are part of a larger perimeter protection strategy. By selecting the correct crash rating, planners can ensure the bollards provide the level of defense needed for their site, whether it’s stopping accidental impacts in a busy downtown area or guarding against deliberate hostile vehicle attacks at a secure facility.

Retractable Bollards

Retractable bollards are designed for locations where space must quickly switch between restricted and open access. Unlike fixed or removable bollards, retractable models lower into the ground when access is required and rise back up to create a protective barrier. This makes them especially valuable in mixed-use environments such as parking garages, plazas, government facilities, and commercial properties where both security and convenience are priorities. Retractable bollards combine strength with adaptability. Retractable bollards come in three main varieties: manual, assisted lift, and automatic. Each of these offers different levels of convenience, security, and ease of operation depending on the needs of the site.

Manual Retractable Bollards

Manual retractable bollards are the simplest version in the retractable family, designed to be durable yet easy to operate. With a built-in lifting handle, they can be raised and lowered by hand without the need for power or complex systems. Because of their straightforward design, they are cost-effective and require little maintenance. Manual retractable bollards are best for areas where access changes occasionally, such as storefronts, plazas, or community spaces. Their ease of handling makes them practical for staff to operate without special training or equipment.

Assisted Lift Retractable Bollards

Assisted lift bollards improve upon manual models by incorporating an internal piston that reduces lifting weight for larger diameter and heavier bollards. Assisted lift retractable bollards are an excellent choice for sites that need frequent access changes, such as busy downtown areas, event spaces, or facility entrances. They balance durability with user-friendliness, providing reliable security where bollard strength is essential but ease of handling is just as important.

Automatic Retractable Bollards

Automatic retractable bollards offer the highest level of convenience and control. Operated by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric systems, they can be raised or lowered at the push of a button, by remote control, or integrated into access control systems such as keycards or security networks. These bollards are ideal for high-security sites and high-traffic locations where quick, repeated access changes are required, such as government complexes, airports, or stadiums. Retractable bollards combine strength with adaptability. Choosing between manual, assisted, and automatic options depends on how frequently access needs to be managed, the site’s security requirements, and the resources available for operation and maintenance. Find what you need today at 1800Bollards, your premier bollard partner on the web.